Andrew Leung is a seminarian for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio. He has served as Director of Music at St. Pius X Church (Atlanta) and taught Gregorian chant at the Cistercian Monastery of the Holy Spirit (Georgia). For two years, he will be studying in Macau, China.

The “Nova Organi Harmonia” demanded from each of us an unusual commitment; we have dedicated to it the best of our energies. Would it be, therefore, presumptuous on our part to be satisfied with the result and to expect its welcome reception in the musical world?
— Msgr. Jules Van Nuffel (circa 1940)

WO SUNDAYS AGO, I had the privilege to sing for a Choral Mattins with the Choir of St. John’s Cathedral under the direction of world-renowned composer, John Rutter. I have already shared my experience and thoughts as well as some pictures of the service in my post last week. Now, I would like to share a live recording that was just uploaded to the cathedral’s website a few days ago. Here are some musical highlights and the recording:

Preces by Lau Yik Long (7:30)Venite by Aldrich (9:10)Psalm 55. 1-4, 17-21 by Riding & Stewart (11:15)Te Deum by John Rutter (17:37)Jubilate Deo by John Rutter (28:45)Responses by Lau Yik Long (33:05)Like As The Hart by Herbert Howells (40:15)

As Jeff Ostrowski has said many times in the past: “the microphones never do justice to the choral sound”; one cannot fully experience the full effect and power of the singing without being at the service.

Even though the Anglican Church is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church, I think we can learn a lot from them. For example, our Anglican brothers and sisters are doing a pretty good job in preserving and developing the church music of their tradition. They are also very successful in the upkeep of high choral standards in churches and schools. Many of the best choirs in the world are from the Anglican Communion. Let us learn from each other, and pray for the unity of Christ’s body.

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